Jessica Spiro's : Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Today we have a new post and blog share from Jessica Spiro.

Jessica Spiro is a registered dietitian living in San Diego, California.  She earned her dietetics degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and recently completed her Dietetic Internship through Utah State's Dietetic Internship, Jessica also has a B.A. in Communication Studies, and prior to pursuing a career in nutrition, Jessica worked in media as a TV news producer.  Finding herself leaning toward the nutrition-related stories and segments, she decided to change careers to become a dietitian.  Jessica is excited about combining her love for journalism with her dedication to advocating good nutrition.  Her blog, Jessica Spiro RD  explores nutrition through the lens of good food, fun fitness trends & travel. 

You can also follow her on twitter (@JessicaSpiroRD)!

Here is a piece from Jessica’s blog (with permission) on;

The Blood Orange

Health Benefits of the Blood Orange:

So you may be wondering what gives the blood orange its ruby colored flesh.  As a nutritionist, the reason gives me so much joy.  It actually has to do with the presence of a pigment called anthocyanin.  Anthocyanin pigments are also found in berries, eggplant and red cabbage, among other red, purple and blue plant foods.  Anthocyanins are packed with healthful benefits, including antioxidants, which scavenge the free radicals linked to diseases, like cancer, and ageing.  Of all the citrus fruits, the blood oranges is the only one that houses anthocyanin as well as all of the other citrus vitamins, like Vitamin C.

Tips:

-Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

-In season from winter to spring.

Blood Orange Vinaigrette:

-1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Note: Trader Giotto’s Sicilian Selezione from Trader Joe’s is the most authentic reasonably-priced olive oil I have found, but please let me know if you have other recommendations!)

-3 T of white balsamic vinegar (it’s a slightly blander alternative to regular balsamic)

-1/4 cup blood orange juice

-pinch of salt and pepper

-1 t of blood orange zest (Optional)

-1 T basil, chopped (Optional)

Directions:

1.) Whisk them all together!

Nutrition Information:

5 servings (2T each); Calories=135; Total Fat=11g; Sat. Fat=1.5g; Fiber=1g; Vit. C=52%

How to use leftover blood oranges:

-Blood Orange Mimosas!

-Eat the fruit as a snack… just be careful because they are a little messy!

Please take the time to read the whole post on Jessica's blog.